I submitted my article for Rising Above Healing Ministry’s upcoming ministry newsletter, Soaring Eagle Tepachimowin: (Click here if you would like to see past issues or sign up to receive the national ministry newsletter.)
“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Matthew 9:36
Cory and I have been doing prayer walks in the Regina North Central neighbourhood, and we often pray, “Lord, open our eyes to see.” Or we ask the Lord, “What does He want us to see?”
During a recent prayer walk, I felt led to pray as well, “Lord, Let your people see.”
What Cory and I see on these weekly walks is far different and much more intimate that what people driving by see, or people see in the news.
As we stopped to pray with a couple men we knew personally, I realized that there are two perspectives I pray people to see.
The first is that God’s people would come and see. The enemy, using the media, has stirred up too much fear. Years ago, God moved a friend and ally, Kevin Vance to come and see. As a result of what he saw, there are now numerous murals throughout the neighborhood that shout out, “WE CARE ABOUT NORTH CENTRAL!”
It seems to me to be the height of arrogance to demand people to repent without first seeing them the way God does. It may be simply a regular prayer walk that God uses to say, “I see you.”
The second perspective that I need to pray for is that of the people themselves. The man that I prayed for, (a former gang member and ex-con) actually cried as I prayed that he would know that God does see him and loves him.
“Pray therefore that the Lord sends workers…”
We are committed to the process of making disciples because we strongly believe it is the only way to bring people from a position of spiritual destitution and poverty to a place of participation in the kingdom of God.
From meeting people on the street during pray walks, to participating in Christian discussion groups, to becoming baptized members of the church, to being trained and engaged in the process of discipleship and being sent out on the streets as disciples seeking to make disciples.
This is the process and mission of Regina Discipleship Project.
Rising Above Regina Discipleship Project is praying for growth.
Our passion is seeing discipleship happen. That is, disciples who make disciples, and in this way, see First Peoples Helping First Peoples Bring God’s Healing to Our Land.
In line with this we have been working on a strategic plan in order to see this happen.
We are excited to say our strategic plan will be published shortly.
There are several strategic partnerships we have developed which are bringing together people and resources to see the overall vision take shape. In addition to our prayer and supporting partners, these partnerships include Gentle Road Church of Christ and Ethnos Canada Establish Discipleship Training.
In addition to our weekly prayer walk, Cory and I both provide leadership in Establish Discipleship training groups, which involves both group leading and individualized discipleship. We also disciple people outside of those groups and I also provide leadership within the Gentle Road Church of Christ structure. I should clarify that I attend Westhill Park Baptist Church as my home church, so my involvement at Gentle Road Church is part of my Regina Discipleship Project ministry role.
There are several specific prayer requests that we have:
We are praying to add 300 more people to our prayer support base.
Prayer is paramount!
Our budget for next year is as follows:
· Printing and publishing the strategic plan and other related promotional costs will be about $8,200.00.
· On Location Event Booths, Conference, Travel and Protocol costs are estimated at $5,200.00.
· Teaching, Textbooks, Discipleship and Discussion group costs are estimated to be $3,150.00.
· And of course, there is my salary which constitutes 79% of next year’s projected budget.
· Total projected budget: $76,550.00 based on our activities this year.
Within this budget, there are specific projects that individuals can prayerfully consider:
· Sponsoring a community meal – $1500.00
· Conference expenses – $1000.00
· Sponsoring a booth – $500.00
· Event Protocol expenses – $400.00
· Sponsoring an Indigenous Discussion group – $200.00
· Paper, stamps or envelopes – $100.00
These are just estimates of course, but we always endeavor to spend what is given for a specific purpose to that expense.
I still want to get the second edition of Journey Through the Bible published and printed, but unfortunately that is not included in this budget yet. As Cory often reminds me, we need to be focused and purposeful. Let’s run the race set out before us and run it well.
I am so thankful that God has sustained us so far, and that he continues to stretch things out before us that are amazing. I am thankful for Cory and his talents and gift of encouragement. I am thankful for the rest of the Rising Above team. I am thankful for all of our faithful supporters and partners in this ministry. And I am thankful to you, for taking the time to read all of my updates.
I always enjoy sharing what God is doing!
With Love of Christ, upon whom all our Hope is Set.
Thank you, and God Bless,
Nick Helliwell
Created in Christ of paskwâwiyiniw (Plains Cree) heritage, working and serving in Treaty 4 Territory, traditional lands of the Nêhiyawak (Cree), Nahkawé (Saulteaux), Nakota, Dakota, Lakota and the Métis/Michif peoples. Extending the Peace, Grace, and Welcome of Jesus Christ to all settlers and newcomers. ta-tawâw, (there is room, you are welcome.)
- Follow us on Facebook at Regina Discipleship Project Page
- or check out our website: nickhelliwell.ca (new website to be launched soon!)
- or the Rising Above Ministry Website
Founded in 1992, Rising Above is First Peoples helping First Peoples; Initiated and governed by Indigenous people, Rising Above Abuse Counselling Agency is a Christian based registered charitable organization, offering hope and healing from a biblical perspective.